Providence upsets Boston College

Cotrell tallies first career hat trick to lead Friars past Eagles

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. -- Senior Ashley Cottrell tallied her first career hat trick and four points as Providence upended fourth-ranked Boston College 6-2 on Saturday.

It is the second time this season PC has upset a nationally-ranked opponent. The Friars defeated then-No. 7 Boston University 4-3 on Dec. 3.

Several other Friars joined Cottrell with multi-point games. Senior Abby Gauthier, junior Jessica Cohen and freshman Beth Hanrahan collected two assists, while sophomore Rebecca Morse contributed a goal and an assist.

Providence grabbed a 1-0 edge midway through the first period. With the Friars on the power play at 12:34, Gauthier raced down the ice to beat a would-be icing call. Gauthier retrieved the puck and centered to a wide open Jessica Vella in the slot. The sophomore one-timed home her seventh of the season.

Providence increased the advantage in the middle period. At the 3:04 mark, Morse hammered a slapshot from the right point that was saved. The first rebound was put back on net by Hanrahan. Again the puck was stopped but another rebound kicked to the right of the crease where Cottrell settled and deposited her 11th of the year for a 2-0 Friar lead.

Providence made it 3-0 at 8:33 of the second period. This time it was Morse with the honors, one-timing a Gauthier feed from the high slot into the back of the net for her second of the year.

Boston College responded with two quick goals within a span of 1:28. After a Mary Restuccia score at 13:14, junior Taylor Wasylk made it 3-2 when her centering pass redirecting home off a Friar skate.

Providence controlled the third period, erupting for three more scores. At, 4:58, Cottrell fired a wrist shot from the right side, top shelf, for her second of the game. The senior then completed the hat trick at 13:59, flipping home a rebound from just to the right of the crease for her 13th of the season. Finally, at 18:43, the senior joined Hanrahan in assisting Nicole Anderson to round out the scoring.

Senior goaltender Genevieve Lacasse made 37 saves, including all 17 she faced in a pressurized first period. Eagle Corinne Boyles halted 23 shots. It was another milestone win for Lacasse. She now has 60 for her career -- a Providence school-record.